private wells & 
water quality 

Topics:

Water Quality

Water Quality Fees

CT Approved Laboratories

Lake & Pond Swimming Areas


Environmental Issues:

Building Conversions, Additions & Accessory Structures

Septic Systems

Pools

Food Protection Program

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Private Water Wells

As the local public health agency for it constituent cities and towns, the TAHD enforces three sets of laws that control all aspects of water wells within its jurisdiction. In 1958, the general assembly passed chapter 482 of the Connecticut General Statutes entitled WELL DRILLING. This law enabled the Connecticut Departments of Public Health and Consumer Protection to adopt their own individual well regulations. Collectively, these three documents are known as the Well Drilling Code and they regulate well locations, construction, water quality and quantity and many other well matters.

Before a private well can be constructed, the TAHD must sign a well permit that is submitted by a state licensed well contractor. This permit shows the location of the well on the property and ensures that the minimum separating distances to any sources of contamination are met. After construction, the well driller is responsible for sending a copy of the well completion report to the Health District. The last step for approval is usually the responsibility of the well owner and requires a water test performed by a State Licensed Laboratory. In addition to the one-time bacteria, physical and inorganic testing required by the State Department of Public Health, the TAHD requires a volatile organic compound test for new wells to ensure that the groundwater is absent of these cancer causing chemicals.

Regulations for water sources and systems other than private wells are enforced by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Additional information pertaining to Connecticut water quality is provided at The Connecticut Environmental Health Association website.

Connecticut approved Water Testing Laboratories:

339 Main Street
Torrington CT 06790
860-496-8378

Averill Environmental Laboratory
100 Northwest Drive
Plainville, CT 06062
(860)747-0676

Analytical Consulting Technology, Inc.
80 Turnpike Drive
Middlebury, CT 06762
(203)598-0040

Hydro Technologies
62 Bank Street
New Milford, CT 06776
(860)355-8773

EAS Laboratories
105 Commercial Street
Watertown, CT 06795
(860)274-5461

Max Water Lab 
429 Main Street
Watertown, CT 06795

Northwest Environmental Water Labs, Inc.
900 Main Street
Oakville, CT 06779
(860)274-5445